20 Python Interview Questions You Should Know in 2025

Of the over 100 programming languages being actively used worldwide, Python tops the list of popular programming languages in 5 countries—namely, India, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the United States. It is both easy and versatile, which makes it a favourite among everyone, particularly beginners.

If you are also a Python enthusiast aiming for a job that allows you to use your Python expertise, then preparing well for the interview is a must. This article brings you the top 20 Python interview questions and answers that you cannot risk missing.

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Top 20 Python Interview Questions with Answers

Although Python is easy to use, it is crucial to plan and prepare thoroughly for a Python interview. Some of the most asked Python interview questions and their concise answers are given below:

1. Define Python.

Python is one of the most popular computer programming languages, often used for task automation, data analysis, web development, software building, and testing.

2. List the main features of Python.

The main features of Python are as follows:

• Free to use.
• Publicly available source code.
• Cross-platform portability.
• Easy debugging.
• Object-oriented programming language.

3. Define a Scope in Python and name its types.

Scope refers to the area in a programme where a variable or function can be recognised and accessed. There are 4 types of scope in Python:

• Local Scope
• Global Scope
• Enclosing Scope
• Built-in Scope

4. Define a docstring in Python.

The docstring is the abbreviation for documentation string. It is a way to document functions, modules, classes, and methods.

5. Differentiate between shallow copy and deep copy.

When a list’s top-level elements alone are copied while the nested objects are shared separately, it is called a shallow copy. On the other hand, a deep copy copies all the elements, including the nested objects.

6. What is a generator in Python?

A generator in Python is a function that uses the yield keyword to return an iterator. This helps it generate values while pausing after each yield, allowing it to maintain its state during the iterations.

7. Define __init__ in Python.

__init__ is a unique method that handles the object initialisation when it is newly created. Whenever a fresh object is created, the __init__ is called automatically for allocation of memory. This helps differentiate between methods and attributes present in a class from the local variables.

8. What is an iterator in Python?

An object that contains a definite quantity of values is referred to as an iterator. It can iterate over iterable objects, such as strings and lists. They are self-iterable as well.

9. How is memory managed in Python?

In Python, the data structures and objects are stored in its private heap space. Since the interpreter manages this area, even the programmer is unable to access it. The built-in garbage collector in Python helps free up space by recycling any unused memory.

10. What is pickling and unpickling?

Pickling refers to the Python object’s serialisation by converting it to a byte stream for storage and transmission purposes. Unpickling is the opposite of pickling and involves deserialisation by restoring the original Python object from a byte stream.

11. Define unit tests in Python.

A unit test is the initial stage of software testing wherein a software’s different components are tested separately. It helps in quickly identifying the reason for a software’s failure.

12. List four ways to perform the concatenation of two lists in Python.

The concatenation of two lists in Python can be done in the following four ways:

• Using the operator ‘+’
• Concatenating the given strings with a space
• Using the multiplication ‘*’ operator
• Using the addition and multiplication operators simultaneously

13. What are packages and modules in Python?

A module is a simple .py extension file carrying a set of global variables and functions. In contrast, a simple directory containing a collection of modules is referred to as a package. It is a folder carrying the __init__.py file.

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14. What is the use of lambda functions?

Lambda is a short and anonymous function that is created using the lambda keyword. It can have many parameters but only one statement.

15. What is the meaning and importance of indentation in Python?

An indentation is the space placed at the beginning of a new code line. It is crucial, as it helps differentiate the code blocks. This is essential, not just for readability but also to prevent errors.

16. Define an interpreted language.

A programming language in which the statements are run line-wise is called an interpreted language. Programs in this language are executed straightaway from the source code without any intermediary compilation step.

17. List the common built-in data types in Python.

The common built-in data types in Python are:

• Text Type
• Sequence Type
• Set Type
• Binary Type
• Numeric Type
• Mapping Type
• Boolean Type

18. What is encapsulation in Python?

The binding of data and variables within a class is called encapsulation. This helps provide reasonable control over the data while preventing any accidental data modification.

19. Differentiate between a for loop and a while loop in Python.

The for loop executes a block of code repeatedly for a specified number of times. It uses the ‘for’ keyword.

A loop that runs a specified number of statements till the boolean value remains true is called a while loop. It makes use of the ‘while’ keyword.

20. What are lists and tuples in Python?

Lists and Tuples are data types that differ in terms of mutability, syntax, iteration, and more. Lists allow the addition or removal of elements, whereas Tuples do not allow changes in them.

Conclusion

In order to qualify for a position that requires the use of Python, you need a good grasp of both its theoretical and practical aspects. While coding would require sincere practice, for the Python basic questions and answers, the exhaustive compilation will help you prepare well and stay confident for the interview.

To make your practical knowledge stronger, you can also enroll for short-term certification courses offered by Amity University Online—namely, Predictive Analytics Using Python, Programming for Data Analytics Using Python, Descriptive Analytics and Data Pre-Processing Using Python, and Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning Using Python.